Sharon Anderson continues to see some of the same customers she served on day one, Oct. 5, 1995, when she opened Shar-On’s in Courtenay.
She started the ladies wear/accessories business at 1025 Cliffe Ave. Back then, it was called Shar-On’s Plus Size. Five years later, she relocated to 438 5th St. in the downtown core, and changed the name to Shar-On’s All Sizes.
Besides serving patrons who walk through the doors, Anderson has always delivered clothes to customers.
“Some of them were in wheelchairs. I’ve done this ever since I opened,” she said. “I used to have two (customers) in Campbell River, and two here, and I used to take them a bunch of clothes.”
She also offers private appointments — a service she decided to offer before the coronavirus pandemic set in.
“If they want an appointment by themselves, I will come down on a Sunday or in an evening.”
Anderson has also hosted the Evergreen Spring Fashion Show, and would open her doors during Market Days and the annual car show.
“Larry (Jangula) the ex-mayor would always came in. He always stopped, and he always said, ‘Thanks for being open, Sharon’.”
Shar-On’s is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday at 438 5th St. She normally sees four or five customers at a time, so social distancing is not an issue.
“It’s big enough that people aren’t on top of each other,” said Anderson, who gives patrons the option of wearing a mask.
Anyone wishing a private appointment can call the store at 250-334-0840 or email sharons438@gmail.com
To celebrate the 25 years, there will be prizes and draws all day Monday, Oct. 5 at the store.
